Ronald McDonald Kidnapped in 1979

Does anyone remember this prank pulled in early December of 1979? Someone removed the statue of Ronald McDonald from the local McDonalds and somehow placed him on top of the entrance to the McMillan Mall!

When was the White’s Ferry Road Bridge Opened?

Last month, a patron came in and asked when the bridge was built over D'Arbonne bayou at White's Ferry. I must admit, I was caught flat-footed. I had never been asked about it in my almost 30 year career and never thought about it to be honest. Newspapers.com to the rescue! Back in 1935, the … Continue reading When was the White’s Ferry Road Bridge Opened? →

Why West Monroe is not Trenton.

Interesting twist on the reason behind the name! Ouachita Citizen, March 21, 1941, Page 1 West Monroe's Post Office Difficulties Began Back in 1883 When Cottonport as Town Name Was Vetoed By Department Why proponents of a change in name for West Monroe selected the name Trenton instead of the name Cottonport was told to … Continue reading Why West Monroe is not Trenton. →

Trenton Postmaster Absconds With the Loot!

The South-Western (Shreveport, LA) Wednesday, October 22, 1856, Page 2, Column 3 LOOK OUT FOR HIM! - A letter to the Claiborne Advocate, dated Trenton, La., Oct. 8th, says: "Our town has been thrown into quite an excitement on account of the disappearance of our deputy postmaster, who left Trenton on Sunday morning - and … Continue reading Trenton Postmaster Absconds With the Loot! →

Flooding in West Monroe

I have no clue where in West Monroe this was taken. I don't even know when. I don't see any levees, so this would be before 1935. I saw this postcard for sale on eBay in December and had to have it.

Meet The Hasleys

These two photos were found in Dr. E. Russ Williams' collection. They are Phinetta Wooten Newman Hasley and her second husband, David Hasley. You are probably familiar with Hasley Cemetery, which was named for them. It is where both of them are buried. Some of you may not know that Phinetta was a philanthropist on … Continue reading Meet The Hasleys →

West Monroe Celebrates It’s 140th Birthday!

Today marks the 140th anniversary of the founding of West Monroe. The story goes that the railroad men, when they crossed the river would say they were "...west of Monroe." The name stuck, and now encompasses the former towns of Trenton and Cottonport. It is no secret to area residents that there is a minor … Continue reading West Monroe Celebrates It’s 140th Birthday! →

The Barbarossa Baseball Team – 1914

Did you know West Monroe had a baseball team? In 1933, the above photo was published in the Ouachita Citizen. It was asked if anyone recognized the players. All they knew was that it was a baseball team called Barbarossa, and they played in West Monroe. Within a week, the public had given the answers. … Continue reading The Barbarossa Baseball Team – 1914 →

Doc’s Saloon Bar is Carried Away

This clipping makes my jaw drop. It is a photo from the Citizen in 1972, just a few days before I would be born just right across the river! It shows men carrying out the bar from the old Doc's Saloon on Commerce Street in West Monroe. I wish Ron Downing was still alive so … Continue reading Doc’s Saloon Bar is Carried Away →

Ouachita Valley Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall

This big building stood till the 1970's at the site of the old Ouachita Valley Fairgrounds. It hosted Fair exhibits, music performances (the Twin City Jamboree) and revival meetings. These are the only photos I have seen of it. The site of the old fairgrounds is now the West Monroe City Hall and Police department.